High heels: what it is, how to recognise and style it

How to recognise it

The heel can be low (up to 4 cm), mid (5–7 cm), high (8–10 cm) or very high (over 10 cm, usually with a platform). Shapes vary: a thin stiletto, a kitten heel, a block, a cone, a wedge or a platform. The higher the heel, the more steeply the foot is raised.

Where it comes from

Persian riders wore heels as early as the 10th century to keep the foot in the stirrup. In the 17th century Louis XIV of France wore red heels as a sign of power, and in the 1950s the thin stiletto became a symbol of feminine elegance.

Who and when it suits

High heels lengthen the leg and silhouette, so they suit evenings, celebrations, weddings and business meetings. For all-day wear a mid block or cone heel is the most comfortable.

Variations and look-alikes

High heels come as pumps, slingbacks, Mary Janes, mules, sandals, ankle and tall boots with all kinds of heels. With a platform the same height feels lower. They differ from low-heeled shoes in a heel from 5 cm.

How to style it

For all day, choose a 5–7 cm block heel.
A platform makes a higher heel more comfortable.
Avoid stilettos at outdoor events.
Start lower and build up gradually.

Heel heights

Lowup to 4 cm

Mid5–7 cm

High8–10 cm

Very high11 cm+, usually with a platform

Types of heels

Stiletto heelA stiletto is a high, very thin heel, often 7–12 cm, named after a slender Italian dagger.Kitten heelA kitten heel is a low, thin, slightly curved heel, usually 3–5 cm high.Block heelA block heel is a wide, square or rectangular heel, steadier than a thin one, from 3 to 10 cm high.Wedge heelA wedge heel runs in one piece under the whole foot from heel to ball and looks like a wedge from the side.Platform shoesA platform is a thick sole under the front of the foot that, together with the heel, lifts the whole foot and reduces the angle between heel and toes.Cone heelA cone heel is wide at the top and narrows towards the ground, like an ice-cream cone.

All types compared: types of heels

Questions and answers

Frequently asked

01What heel height counts as a high heel?

Usually from 5 cm; up to 4 cm counts as a low heel.

02Which heel is most comfortable?

A mid, 5–7 cm block or cone heel.

03How do you walk in high heels?

Step heel to toe, take small steps, keep the shoulders straight and do not rush.

04Are high heels bad for your feet?

Long wear loads the ball of the foot and the knees, so alternate them with lower shoes.

High heels